John Eustace urged to take Derby County action as repeat Burnley transfer deal mooted | OneFootball

FLW's Derby County Fan Pundit has weighed in on Jaydon Banel's start to life at Pride Park on loan from Burnley.

Derby County have had great success in the transfer market this season, and in both the summer and winter windows, they achieved their goals of improving the squad in multiple areas as they look to win a place in the Championship play-offs.

The Rams closed the gap to Wrexham back to just three points on Monday evening, as Sammie Szmodics' early strike handed John Eustace a vital victory on the south coast against Portsmouth, with the visitors holding onto a 1-0 lead throughout the game, proving their top six credentials in the process.

Pompey had plenty of the ball, and while they had the majority of the shots in the game, third-choice goalkeeper Richard O'Donnell was hardly challenged by the front line of the home side, and he was able to help his team to a crucial win.

Nevertheless, Derby came close to increasing their lead on a number of occasions, with both Patrick Agyemang and Joe Ward hitting the woodwork.

Meanwhile, substitute Jaydon Banel provided plenty of threat on the wing after he was brought on late on, and questions are now starting to be asked as to when he will be given his first start in black-and-white.

Derby County: John Eustace urged to give Jaydon Banel first Rams start

Signed from Burnley at the end of the January transfer window, the winger has been a really strong back-up for both Rhian Brewster and Ben Brereton Diaz, with his pace a key asset from off the bench.

He looks dangerous every time he comes on the pitch, and some sections of the fanbase may be hoping to see him given more chances and perhaps even another loan next season. Yet, Football League World's Derby Fan Pundit, Shaun Woodward, is not so sure yet.

Shaun told FLW: "I wouldn't say he's done enough to earn another loan move to Derby yet.

"There are lots of players similar to Banel out there. However, he has looked good in the short bits of game time he's got.

"He looks lively. He looks to take on his man. He's a bit unpredictable. So, he gives defenders and full-backs a different problem. He breaks between the lines and he's clearly got pace.

"But, Eustace hasn't felt like he can start him yet. So maybe he feels he's more of an impact player right now. I wouldn't mind seeing him maybe start a game instead of Brewster. I think he could add some chaos in that three behind the front man."

Shaun continued: "I think it'd be nice to see him get a start against Birmingham on Saturday and maybe rest Brewster and then let him come off the bench and give him 20 to 25 minutes to run at tired legs.

"Because I think it's easy sometimes to say someone looks lively because the fact is they're coming off the bench fresh. It's how they cope when they start a game.

"I think Oscar Fraulo's done that. He's looked really good coming off the bench, yet when he started, he didn't quite have the same impact. I wouldn't be getting too excited.

"He is clearly a talent, but he definitely hasn't done enough to get another loan deal yet. Not to say he couldn't get that because he does look a promising lad. So, we'll wait and see, but hopefully he'll get his first start on Saturday."

Derby County's chances of signing Jaydon Banel again could be slimmer in 2026/27

While Banel is yet to have that opportunity to prove himself from the start of a game yet, it seems as though his chance will come in the run-in, as the games come thick and fast in the Championship at this stage of the season.

However, with Burnley looking likely to come back to the second tier for the 2026/27 campaign, they may have plans of their own for the 21-year-old with promotion likely the target for Scott Parker's side if they do return to the Championship.

The Clarets are yet to see what the Dutch winger can produce, as he has made just one league appearance for the Lancashire outfit so far, and with the experience that he is gaining with Derby, he could be given a chance to shine at Turf Moor.

Nevertheless, he has eight games to make an impact on the Rams, and he will be hoping that Eustace gives him the opportunity to start against Birmingham City on Saturday with rotation needed.